Clinical Laboratory Science Program

Outcome Measures

A placement rate of 100% for graduates who found employment (in the field or closely related field) and/or continued their education within one year of graduation.

The Clinical Laboratory Science Program is a nine-month clinical practicum completed at Aspirus Wausau Hospital through an affiliated University baccalaureate degree program in Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science. The practicum provides professional education by laboratory professionals and physicians, including didactic and clinical laboratory experiences. The program seeks to instill students with professional attitudes, leadership skills, technical expertise, and a dedication to the field of Clinical Laboratory Science. At the Aspirus Wausau Hospital Clinical Laboratory Science Program, five or six students are accepted annually for the clinical practicum that begins the third week of August and continues through the end of May.

The Clinical Laboratory Science Program has been active more than 50 years, and is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Inquiries about accreditation status can be directed to:

Mission Statement

We provide an educational opportunity for students in clinical laboratory science that excels in both didactic and laboratory experiences as part of Aspirus Wausau Hospital’s mission. We will work collaboratively with others who share our passion for excellence and compassion for people.

Affiliated universities and admission process

Affiliated Universities include:

UW LaCrosse

UW Oshkosh

UW Stevens Point

Michigan Technologic University

Students must be registered and pay tuition to their respective university during the clinical practicum. Students from non-affiliated universities may be accepted only if they have earned or will have earned a Baccalaureate degree prior to admission. These students, and 4+1 students from affiliated universities pay tuition directly to Aspirus Wausau Hospital equal to the amount paid to the hospital by the affiliated universities.

A tour of Aspirus Wausau Hospital and its Aspirus Reference Laboratory should be scheduled prior to the application process. Tour dates and information regarding them are available from the affiliated university Clinical Laboratory Science or Allied Health Office or by contacting the Program Coordinator.

The following should be submitted directly to the Program Coordinator by October 15, for entry into the class beginning the following August:

A completed application form.

Three letters of reference; two of the three should be from university science professors.

Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

Completed applications are reviewed by the Program Coordinator prior to scheduling an interview in September, October, or early November. Interviews are conducted at Aspirus Wausau Hospital by the Administrative Committee consisting of the Program Coordinator, and a representative from the faculty and/or from Laboratory Management.

Physical requirements must be such as to meet the demands of the clinical year and include adequate physical health, adequate emotional health to work under stress, adequate manual dexterity skills, and normal or corrected vision and hearing. A specific list of essential functions is found on the last page of the application form. Anyone with special needs should inform the Program Coordinator of their existence.

To download a set of application forms, click here. Forms can also be obtained from the Clinical Laboratory or Allied Health Professions Office at an affiliated university or by emailing Daniel.Lockwood@aspirus.org or writing to:

Academic Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements in order to quality for admission to the program.

A minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, however, an average of 2.75 is recommended due to the competitive nature of the selection process.

A minimum of 90 semester hours (or equivalent), to include the following:

Biology: A minimum of 12 semester (24 quarter) hours to include:

General Biology

Microbiology with lab experience

Immunology

Parasitology with lab experience

Molecular Biology

Genetics, Anatomy and Physiology are strongly recommended.

Chemistry: A minimum of 16 semester (24 quarter) hours to include:

General Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Quantitative Analysis

Biochemistry

Three courses must include lab experience.

Mathematics: A minimum of one college level course. Statistics is strongly recommended.

Medical Technology:

Hematology with lab experience

Immunohematology with lab experience

Urinalysis with lab experience

Instrumentation

Medical Terminology is strongly recommended.

The courses acceptable toward meeting the above requirements would be any courses applicable toward a major in the above fields or medical technology. Survey courses do not qualify as fulfillment of the Biology or Chemistry pre-requisites. Remedial math courses will not satisfy the Mathematics requirement.

Applicants who wish to count college credit from a foreign university, who have completed the academic requirements prior to seven years ago, or who wish to seek advanced placement for prior education or experience, should contact the Program Director concerning additional requirements.

Applicants must possess, or be eligible for, a baccalaureate degree from their university upon satisfactory completion of the clinical practicum.

Pre-clinical competency tests will be administered covering the prerequisite courses during the first week of Orientation. A score of 60% or higher on each test will be necessary to continue in the program.

Student Selection

All applicants who meet the requirements for admission, and have completed the application process will be considered for admission to the program. An Applicant Score Sheet is made for each applicant to facilitate the selection process. Three pertinent areas are outlined and assigned weighted values, namely academic information, references, and interview information. Applicants from affiliated institutions will be given selection preference over equally qualified candidates from other institutions. Areas assessed during the interview are, but are not limited to, adaptability, integrity, stability, organizational skills, motivation, communication skills, and professionalism.

Admission to the program is competitive, with a limited number of student positions available. Attendance at an affiliated university does not guarantee placement in the program.

Notices of acceptance are given by December 1st to the Clinical Laboratory Science Advisor on each campus.

Clinical Hematology
Fundamental concepts of the origin, development, morphology, physiology, and pathophysiology of the formed elements of the blood and bone marrow; theories of blood coagulation and hemostasis; theory and practice of hematologic techniques.

Clinical Immunohematology
Fundamental concepts of blood grouping and cross-matching for transfusion; detection and identification of antibodies; collection, processing and preservation of blood and its components; use of blood and its components in transfusion therapy.

Clinical Immunology/Serology
Fundamental concepts of the structure, function and disorders of the immune system; concepts of transplantation; principles and procedures of antigen-antibody reactions, immunochemical techniques, and serologic procedures in the evaluation of immune status, infectious diseases and immune disorders.

Clinical Urinalysis
Fundamental concepts of renal function in health and disease; macroscopic, microscopic and chemical examination and testing of urine and other body fluids with emphasis on changes in disease states.

Professional Practice
A basic introduction to the principles and theory of resource and financial management, education, quality control, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, information systems, method evaluation, point of care testing, and test utilization as it relates to the clinical laboratory.

Course titles may appear slightly different on official university transcripts. Completion of this clinical experience results in (24-31) credits; which apply to either a university degree or a program certificate. Credit values vary according to the affiliate university from which the student originates.

Practicum Format and Policies

Five-to-six students may be accepted annually for the clinical practicum that begins the third week of August and continues into May.

Orientation
The first week of the clinical practicum is spent in orientation. This includes an introduction to the program, a brief orientation to the various departments and staff of the Clinical Laboratory, a tour of the medical library, a review of schedules and policies, book distribution, and pre- clinical competency testing.

Classroom lectures are given in the areas of Phlebotomy, Microscopy, Safety, Infection Control and Universal Precautions, Medical Terminology, and Computer Orientation.

Daily Schedule
Students are scheduled from 0600-1430, 0700-1530, 0800-1630, or 0900-1730 depending on the departmental rotation. There are limited optional educational experiences available on the PM and/or night shifts during the elective week at the end of the program.

Two or three hours of classroom lectures are given each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoon by Pathologists, Laboratory Management, Section Specialists, Program Director, or staff technologists. The remainder of the time is spent in the various sections of the clinical laboratory on a scheduled rotating basis.

Student Policies
During Orientation students will receive a handbook detailing general policies of conduct, attendance, grading, evaluation procedures, and grievance policies.

Students are required to follow a dress code appropriate to the professional work involved and within the guidelines required for employees of Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Biologic safety lab coats are provided by Aspirus Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Tuition and Fees
Affiliate university students must pay tuition to their respective universities. The university then reimburses a part of this tuition to Aspirus Aspirus Wausau Hospital.*

Non-affiliate students pay a fee directly to Aspirus Aspirus Wausau Hospital equivalent to the amount reimbursed to the hospital by the affiliate university on a per student basis.*

*This fee is currently $1000.00 per student. It may change without notice.

Some of the textbooks used during the clinical practicum are available free of charge on a loan basis from the program. Other required textbooks must be purchased for approximately $100 to $300 (total cost).

The cost of national certification examinations are the responsibility of the student.

Housing
Housing needs vary with the student's own preference and are the complete responsibility of the individual student.

Vacations and Holidays
Students are not required to be in attendance on the following holidays: Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter and the day after Easter, and Memorial Day. Vacation is granted during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Progress Reports
The progress of the student is continually reviewed with reports sent to the university each semester. Grades will be forwarded to the university at the completion of the clinical practicum.

Financial Aid
Financial aid is not granted by Aspirus Wausau Hospital. For students from affiliated universities, financial aid is available to qualified students through the Office of Financial Aid at their respective universities.

Health Policies
A pre-enrollment physical is required of all accepted students. For complete details contact the program director.

Health insurance is not available through the hospital unless a person is employed by the hospital a minimum of 20 hours per week. We strongly suggest that during the clinical practicum students have their own health insurance or a means of payment in the event of illness or injury.

Employee Health Services are available to the student during class hours should the need arise, and Emergency Room facilities are also available in an emergency situation.

Sick Leave
The student must notify the Program Director as soon as possible when an absence is necessary. Absences due to illness during the program may require make-up assignments, including special projects and addition assigned time in the laboratory.

Termination
The clinical course of study may be terminated prior to graduation for one of the following reasons:

Failure to maintain a grade of C and/or satisfactory in classroom or laboratory instruction.

Negligence, especially with regard to treatment of patients.

Failure to comply with program or hospital policies.

Documented evidence of cheating.

Voluntary withdrawal.

Withdrawal/Refund Policies
Students from affiliated universities should consult their university catalogue.

Non-affiliated students should submit a request to withdraw to the Program Director. A 50% refund of tuition fees paid will be made if withdrawal is prior to November 1st of clinical practicum.